Posts Tagged ‘Bryn Pearce’

Godrevy Head, Godrevy Island and Godrevy lighthouse have a special place in our hearts here at The Day That as they feature in more of our photographs than any other area. Situated on the eastern side of St Ives Bay, they offer a strong contrast to the, often soft, colours of sea and sky in our dawn pictures.

This enigmatic area has drawn human interest for hundreds if not thousands of years, from several prehistoric archeological finds, through mining interests spanning several hundred years to the dangers of the rocks to shipping and the building of the Godrevy lighthouse. Now protected by the ownership of the National Trust, it has also become a Site of Special Scientific Interest with some of the best examples of coastal heathland in the UK.

I, like many artists and photographers, am drawn to the lighthouse. This iconic structure with its life-saving light has added mystery by being so close but almost untenable due to the dangerous stretch of water that separates it from the mainland. I was very pleased to learn of an exhibition being staged by the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth centred around Godrevy lighthouse with several works on display featuring the light over many years.

‘This captivating new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall features artwork inspired by the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse.

Charles Thomas and Jessica Mann began collecting these works over 50 years ago, when they met and fell in love on an archaeological dig at Godrevy. Since that time, the couple have collected various works of art, poetry and objects depicting the lighthouse, including pieces by artists such as Bryan Pearce, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham and Kurt Jackson.

Godrevy Lighthouse has seen considerable changes along the north coast and the exhibition includes artwork showing 1780s St Ives, buzzing with marine activity, right up to a 2003 Kurt Jackson piece depicting the calms of the St Ives coast.

Jessica Mann says: “Godrevy Lighthouse has become an icon; it is one of the images that represents Cornwall. This exhibition will give people an insight into the magic of the lighthouse, which Charles has known all his life and I first saw over 50 years ago.” ’

The exhibition runs until 29th August. There is also a general lighthouse exhibition at the museum that runs until the end of the year.

One of my favourite The Day That shots featuring Godrevy Island is this one from very early in our archive that surfaced recently with the help of a young lady called Evie to mark her first day. It’s from July 2005 and was taken by Gavan. It helped pave the way for the wonderful style that has developed as we create our unique christening gifts, special wedding gifts and beautiful anniversary presents.